Pre-Protocol Blood Panels

Baseline bloodwork before starting any peptide protocol is not optional. It serves two critical functions: establishing your personal reference values for comparison, and screening for contraindications that may affect peptide selection or dosing. Without a baseline, you cannot objectively determine whether your protocol is producing the desired effects or causing unintended changes. Order your baseline panel at least 1-2 weeks before starting any new protocol.

The essential pre-protocol panel includes: Complete Blood Count (CBC) with differential, which screens for anemia, infection, and blood disorders. Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP), covering liver function (AST, ALT, ALP, bilirubin), kidney function (BUN, creatinine, GFR), electrolytes, and blood glucose. Lipid panel (total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides, and ideally Apo B and Lp(a) for advanced risk assessment). Fasting insulin and HOMA-IR, which are the most sensitive early markers of metabolic dysfunction. IGF-1, the primary downstream marker of GH activity. Inflammatory markers including high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) and homocysteine.

Hormonal panels should be tailored to the individual. For men: total and free testosterone, SHBG, estradiol (sensitive assay), LH, FSH, DHEA-S, and thyroid panel (TSH, free T3, free T4, thyroid antibodies). For women: the same panel plus progesterone (timed to cycle day), AMH if relevant, and FSH/LH ratios. Additional tests for specific protocols: HbA1c and glucose tolerance test for metabolic protocols; amylase and lipase for GLP-1 agonist protocols; PSA for men over 40 using GH secretagogues. Most of these tests can be ordered through direct-to-consumer lab services without a physician referral.